I felt compelled to pay a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history. This woman has served as a Constitutional monarch, head of state for 70 years. She was coronated reigning Queen at the age of 25 years old in 1953 after her father George VI died in 1952, as the eldest heir to the throne. She was the longest reigning monarch of 70 years, and the only one who has reigned during my lifetime. Only Queen Victoria came closest serving almost 64 years on the throne. To this day, Canada still celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24th – affectionately known as ‘May 2-4’, first long weekend of summer.
Elizabeth lived and reigned through decades of change, far from the times of her ancestors who’d previously reigned. As a teenager during WWII, she became the first royal to join the active war efforts in the women’s British army as a truck mechanic. As Queen, her family had gone through numerous scandals, starting with the one that gave her own father the title of King with the abdication of her uncle Edward VIII’s reign, stepping down to marry a divorced American woman, Wallis Simpson. Power was passed over to his brother George, and following through, the Queen lived through plenty more scandals from her own family – sister Princess Margaret and her sordid affairs, down to her own sons, Charles marrying and divorcing Lady Diana and his ongoing affair with Camilla, and Andrew, recently having some of his royal duties and perks taken from him for his current shenanigans in the Jeffrey Epstein pornography scandal, even grandson Harry and the racist issues that came about with his marrying bi-racial Megan. Queen Elizabeth modernized the monarchy like no other royal.
The Canadian Connection to the Monarchy:
Although my country, Canada, is an independent country, the Queen remained our nation’s head of state, despite no active role in our Canadian politics, and despite our Canadian government legislative and parliament, run in similar fashion to the United Kingdom’s. She was our Consitituional monarch, who remained politically neutral. Our parliamentary system began from the British, Westminster system. Canada was originally a colony of the United Kingdom, thus, our Constitution was created by the United Kingdom in 1867, beginning our federal system of government, and is still one of the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world. Our Governor General is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation to the UK’s Prime Minister. Our Prime Minister and each provincial Premiere (equivalent to the American governor of American states), hold office only as long as our House of Commons (legislative branch), support them. Our government acts in the name of the Crown but our authority is derived by the Canadian people. The face of Queen Elizabeth has been on our Canadian currency since she was eight years old. She was also the Queen of Canada.

Not surprisingly, in this last year of the Queen’s life, she lost her husband who stood by and supported her for almost all of her 70 years reign. Despite her getting Covid and adding to her body’s immune response, and her age, 96 years old, as one myself who lost her own husband last year, only two days before the Queen lost her own beloved, and knowing how my loss took such a toll on my own health, it isn’t surprising to feel that the glorious monarch has taken too much on in the last year of her life between grief and illness to add to her 96 years on earth.
As a Canadian who grew up in her school years singing, God Save the Queen, I have always felt she was my Queen too. Perhaps as I grew up and my curiosities grew, became my fascination with the monarchy and its lineage of British history.
My heart is heavy for such a grand loss. As a personal note, I’d like to add my opinion about the fact that Prince Charles will now become King. Personally, I truly wish he would have abstained as the Queen’s uncle Edward did when her own father inherited the kingdom. I would have wished the kingdom would go directly to William, and can’t help but wonder how many others think the same way. But traditions remain, and now Charles will be the oldest monarch ever to take the throne. My heart goes out to the royal family.
God bless the Queen. My heart is heavy with this great loss of a reigning monarch, for myself, my country, and for the United Kingdom, and all the royals left behind. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband, and be remembered for centuries to come for her glorious reign. Amen.
~ ~ ~
Note: There was a heavy rainfall in London before the Queen passed, and shortly before her death was announced, a double rainbow was formed over Buckingham Palace:
©DGKaye2022
Oh, I’m sobbing my eyes out. I lived in England for a few years, and she was my Queen too. ❤️
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I am crying with you my Sister. I woke this morning with such a heavy feeling of doom. I knew it wasn’t my own usual grief grabbing hold. I turned on the TV and saw the breaking news that the family were all heading to Balmoral. I knew within hours we would lose her, and so I began writing this post while she lived, and finished it when I heard she died, as tears remain streaming from a broken heart, broken again. ❤ xxx
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But she will be Philip now, and that a peaceful end to a life of service. Such a sad day. We all feel the loss. ❤️
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That is her consolation. ❤
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That is our consolation for her. Please take care of yourself today. I’m thinking about you. ❤️ Love you, Sis.
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Love you too my Sister ❤
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❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 💯
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R.I.P. Your Majesty! 😥🌹 Thank you for writing this, Deb. I remember singing God Save the Queen in school too. Although not a huge fan of the monarchy in general, I always respected and admired Queen Elizabeth. She had such grace and a steely resolve. I agree with you about Charles. William would be much better, but, so it goes.
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Thank you Deb. I began writing this morning as I felt her impending doom. I know there are many who didn’t favor a monarchy but loved the Queen. Truly an end to an era and a big part of our country’s history. ❤
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Yes, and your tribute is excellent! 👌 If it’s okay with you, I’d like to add a blurb about it and a link back to it in my next post (hopefully tomorrow). Thanks in advance! ❤
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Of courseeeeeeeee Deb. And thank you. ❤
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I just heard the news, Debby. Our Queen has passed. She left a legacy of compassion and goodwill. She will be missed.
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Yes Rebecca, she will be ever so sadly missed. I can’t believe how affected I feel from this giant loss. ❤
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I feel the same way. Sending hugs!
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❤ ❤
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RIP your Majesty. such sad news.
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Thank you Gun. So very sad indeed. 😦
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This is a lovely tribute to Queen Elizabeth. I always admired her, as I’m sure millions of people around the world did. Thank you for writing this.
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Thank you so much Anneli. I had to write something as a tribute and condolence, as well as wanting to share the importance of her not just to the United Kingdom, but my country too. ❤
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Exactly. I can’t begin to count the number of times I sang God Save the Queen.
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❤
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This is sad news indeed. She had a good long run and will be missed. She always seemed to have a calming effect and was certainly well loved.
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So true Darlene. In a world of so much uncertainty she had the calm. She will me missed in so many ways ❤
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An excellent tribute, Debby. We will all miss her. God Save the Queen
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Thanks so much John. No doubts much of the world will miss her. 😦
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As an American, I loved and highly respected your Queen Elizabeth, a courageous, gallant, poised and circumspect lady. The kind who would make the common man feel uncommon.
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Thank you Oneta. She will undoubtedly be missed by many in the world. 🙂
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Hi Debby – thanks for writing this for us all … I will write a long post in due course … shortly I will put up a very short post … but there’s so much on the tv and radio and I’ll just take time out to adjust … major changes in all areas at the moment.
Her reign was quite extraordinary … and this was so sudden, considering she was welcoming our new 3rd female prime minister only 2 days ago … I think Charles III will surprise us … and he couldn’t avoid becoming King – his mother would have insisted on it.
It will be an interesting time for us … thanks so much for this and all your commenters – with thoughts – Hilary
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Hi Hilary. Condolences to you. No doubts many will be writing about the legendary Queen Elizabeth. Extraordinary indeed. And I do hope Charles will surprise us, even though I have much higher hopes for William. Hugs to you. ❤
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The Queen truly was dedicated to her roll as monarch.
We have gone through much history since her reign .
While sad for all those who grieve her passing I’m certain she’s in a better place.
The future king I find doubtful but that’s just my intuition.
Much more about our Royals have yet to be made public.
I know the Queen will be sadly missed by many .
You did a lovely tribute Debby ❤️
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Thanks so much Sue. And no surprise you and I seem to feel the way about the new King. He has such very big shoes to fill. Thanks again my lovely friend. ❤ xx
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I heard the sad news when I was on a walk this morning, she’s been queen my entire life, and it’s hard to believe she’s gone. Thank you for the lovely tribute. She was an amazing lady. “God has now saved the queen for all eternity,” may she rest in peace. Hugs, C
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Thanks Cheryl. Amen to that. Yes, she will live on in infamy and many of our hearts. And she is now back with her beloved Philip. Hugs xx
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what a beautiful tribute, Debby. The Queen was an amazing woman…
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Thanks so much Jim 🙂
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👍
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What a beautiful tribute, Debby – what a terrible shock, I can’t believe it.
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Thanks Toni. It is truly shocking indeed, despite her declining health this last year and only a few days ago ushering in the new Prime Minister. ❤
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😢😢
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Aside from her length of reign, Deb, her dedication, allegiance, and dignity will hold their place in history. She was an indomitable woman who will be remembered. Her fortitude and grace touched the world. I share your heaviness of heart ❤️
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You said T. She was a beacon to so many and forever an iconic legend. ❤
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I love that such a graceful woman was our queen. She was and continues to be through all the accolades about her, a model of dignity and respect for all of us to follow. Beautiful tribute to our Queen, Debby. ❤
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Thank you Carol. Yes. That type of character and her grace will be sorely missed by many in the world. We didn’t know her, but we knew she was ‘there’. ❤
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I woke to hear the news. Such an awesome monarch. She served with grace and style. May she Rest In Peace.
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Yes she truly was. God bless the Queen. ❤
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We’ve been dealing with horrific fires where my dad lives in California, so I’m out of the loop today, Debby. I only just heard of the Queen’s passing an hour ago then read your post. A loving tribute indeed to a woman who influenced the entire world. You may be right that she finally succumbed to a long 96 years of a life well lived and longed to rest. May she do so in peace.
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Thank you Terri. Yes, she will truly be missed my much of the world. And I’m so sorry to hear about the raging fires that seem never ending. I hope your father is safe. ❤
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It’s a big loss, for sure. Some people, will feel it more than others. Belgium is a monarchy as well, but I feel like I know more about the British monarchy than the one in my own country. That particular royal family has been in the media a lot.
Thank you for the info and your thoughts, Debby. Queen Elizabeth II has survived many changes, eras even, and made huge differences during her time, but I don’t think she reigned through WWII if she became Queen in 1953. 🙂
Sending you a big hug!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts here too Liesbet. Yes, the Queen was liked and loved by many across the world, a grand world figure. She was an era that most of the population grew up knowing her as queen. As you are right, my very bad, that was an oversight about the war, although she joined the women’s branch of the British army and helped with the war efforts at a young age, as an auto mechanic. Hugs my friend ❤
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Queen Elizabeth conducted herself in a manner that all leaders should follow—with class. Is it too much to ask our leaders to have some morals?
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So very true Pete. I think the nation feels, despite the actual loss of the Queen, it’s also the end of an era where most of us have lived throughout her glorious reign. 🙂
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Beloved by all, she will be deeply missed. Thank you for sharing this tribute, Debby. ❤️
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Thank you Gwen. ❤
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Beloved by all, the Queen will be deeply missed. Thank you, Debby, for sharing your tribute.❤️
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Thank you Gwen. ❤
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I still cannot believe she’s gone. What with her passing and the new prime minister, there’s been too much change in such a short space of time. Charles does not have my respect because of the way he treated Diana. x
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That’s how it feels Stevie. The winds are changing much too quickly. Even for those who didn’t know the Queen, she was a figure of stability who must of us grew up, which deepens the loss. Once again, I’m with you on the Charles issue. I think there will be mixed emotions about him exactly for those reasons. Not to mention, I don’t anticipate his ‘wife’ being much in the forefront because I don’t think she has much consideration from many at all. She’ll be his shadow. I should think Charles, besides mourning his mother, is feeling a tad uncomfortable about stepping into the Queen’s shoes because ‘the people’ don’t forget. ❤
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They don’t forget – especially the older ones. x
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Sadly, true. x
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I hadn’t heard about the rainbow, so lovely and fitting. My grandmother was born a year before the queen and could have been her sister in looks and mannerisms. She always dressed with care and enjoyed a nice cup of tea in the afternoon.
The queen made a difference in so many lives. She will be greatly missed.
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Yes, wasn’t the rainbow amazing? That’s uncanny your grandmother was so much like the Queen. Yes, this is definitely an end of an era Jacquie. Hugs x
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Being a lifelong American, it’s always been difficult is to comprehend the feelings of those who are or have been part of the Commonwealth toward the royal family. Nonetheless, I try to appreciate the perspective. Clearly Elizabeth is someone to respect for her thoughtfulness and scandal free behavior over 70 years.
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You said the truth my friend. Scandal-free and politically neutral. She was an iconic monarch of our times. Thank you. 🙂
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What an incredible woman. And what a great tribute, Debby!
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Thanks so much Jan ❤
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Oh Debby, your tribute to the Queen is beautifully written. It’s hard to imagine Charles at 73 taking the throne but, as you say, the traditions continue. May she rest in peace x
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Thanks Christy. Amen to that. ❤ x
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Lovely eulogy from one who would know. Thank you, Debby.
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Thank you Jacqui. ❤
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Lovely to read your words of respect and fondness for our beloved queen – our country is awash with a sadness that is shared around the globe. Hearing your PM Justin Trudeau struggling with his emotions while trying to pay his respects brought a lump to my throat.
Did you know that a rainbow also appeared over Windsor Castle? https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/a-rainbow-above-as-flowers-are-laid-at-windsor-castle
And King Charles III has already impressed far more than we all expected, with wise and compassionate words in his first speeches, and an emphasis on his resolve to emulate the duty and service ethos embodied by his mother.
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Yes Deb! I even added the link to the rainbow at the end of this post after I saw it. The heavens greeted her beautifully. A double for her and Philip together. And yes, I cried most of the day watching news reels all day. Justin had a lovely rapport with the Queen. Charles has big shoes to fill. He did a wonderful job speaking, but he has to earn his wings for sure. There are too many still scorched by the Diana debacle. It’s Camilla I can’t feel anything for. ❤
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Ah but Camilla has done a beautiful job of softening Charles, and frankly if he’d been allowed to marry her in the first place, none of the Diana disaster would have happened. Charles and Camilla were always in love and compatible, it was protocol cause the catastrophic. Many people are coming around to accept this now.
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Perhaps in time more people will feel this. 🙂
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A wonderful tribute Debby. She was much loved by so many millions around the world and left an amazing legacy of dignity and grace…I feel a guiding light has left us♥♥
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Thank you Sal. A guiding light indeed. End of an era we just lived through. ❤ xxx
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I think your tribute is very nicely balanced. Coming from Canada you see my country through different eyes than I do. However, you seem to share the same bad taste in the names of marriage, vows, dignity, Diana, and obligations to the Church he now sits at the head of. I loved our Queen. In the past, because of service, I have sworn allegiance to her name, but I think it is now right for them all to go. You rightly listed the family miscreants, all of whom receive money from the royal list, which in turn is financed through taxes. I watched the antics of our now King yesterday when he signed the succession in St. James’s Palace, as he shooed the inkwells away from the table where he was required to sit. It was as though he was dealing with some lackey. That incident could have been caused by nerves, it must be an exhausting time for him, but I’m left with worries that he is now sharing his wife’s utter disdain for others.
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Thank you Danny for chiming in, and so sorry for this great loss. I truly think besides Charles’ lifelong preparation for becoming king, and all his own history that he must be feeling some discomfort besides the grief of losing his mother, about finding his rightful place in front of the people. x
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The end of an era. We knew it had to happen. It doesn’t make it easier. Beautiful tribute, Debby. 💖
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So true Norah. Thank you. ❤
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💖
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Thank you for this wonderful tribute, Debby.
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Hugs Jennie xx
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And to you, Debby!
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❤
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What a beautiful tribute, Debby. I think many Americans like me have been fascinated by the English monarchy over the years and the Netflix and Amazon Prime series about Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria have been helpful in understanding not only the system but the monarchs. The proceedings inspire so many and show the dedication that so many around the world feel for this strong woman, no matter how they may have felt about the Monarchy.
I agree with your statements about King Charles III in spite of his excellent speech. They are more head of church than even head of state, and if Edward had to abdicate, then Charles should have followed his lead.
Thanks again for publishing this lovely and educational tribute, Deb.
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HI Marsha. Thanks so much for popping by and leaving your thoughts. She will be sadly missed for so many, in so many ways. God rest her weary soul. ❤
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I agree. I used some of your post in my Writer’s Quotes Wednesday post today. Your post was such a lovely one. 🙂
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Thanks so much Marsha. Hugs xx
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A very lovely tribute. Thank you.
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Thank you Kally 🙂
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Queen Elizabeth II Is Now In Heaven
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May God rest her soul.
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